University of Kentucky Beef Extension

05/30/2026

Why beef demand has remained strong — even at high prices
In the May 2026 Off the Hoof newsletter, Dr. Kenny Burdine discusses how improvements in carcass quality over time have helped support beef demand, even as prices remain historically high.
Understanding how quality trends influence demand helps provide context for today’s cattle markets.
👉 Read the full May newsletter here:

Off the Hoof: Beef Newsletters Off the Hoof: Beef Newsletters Off the Hoof is a Kentucky beef newsletter published monthly by Dr. Les Anderson, a Beef Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal & Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Recent Newsletters May 2026- Drs. Anderson, Lehmkuhl...

05/29/2026

Thank you to our beef producers and Extension partners
As the Spring 2026 Beef Extension Specialist programs begin to wind down, we want to take a moment to sincerely thank all the producers who participated in our programs this spring. Your engagement and willingness to learn are what make these efforts meaningful.
We would also like to extend a special thank‑you to our county Extension Agriculture agents for their hard work and dedication in helping deliver these programs to producers across the state. We are grateful to everyone who supports and contributes to Beef Extension programming.
As spring programming concludes, we are already preparing for Fall 2026 Beef Extension programs.
To stay connected and informed:

✅ Make sure you’re subscribed to your county Agriculture agent’s newsletter
✅ Visit the UK Beef Extension website to learn more about resources and upcoming programs:
https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/extension/beef
✅ Check out the Animal & Food Sciences Beef page for additional information and updates:
https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/beef
✅ Follow our page to stay up to date on programs, events, and beef cattle information

Thank you again for being part of the UK Beef Extension community

05/29/2026

🧬 Genetic trends in beef cattle are changing — and breed differences matter
Genetic trends for beef cattle continue to evolve, especially for traits related to growth and maternal performance. While growth traits have increased across most breeds, changes in maternal traits such as milk production vary by breed — making breed comparison an important part of selection decisions.
In this UK Beef Extension publication, Dr. Darrh Bullock discusses why monitoring genetic trends and relative breed differences is critical when making long‑term breeding and herd management decisions.
👉 Read the full Extension publication (ASC‑256) here:
https://publications.mgcafe.uky.edu/asc-256
Author: Dr. Darrh Bullock — UK Beef Extension
Published August 8, 2023 | ASC Series

05/28/2026

On this episode of the Beef Bits podcast, host Jeff Lehmkuhler is joined by Dr. Hannah Tiffin, Associate Extension Professor, to discuss ticks and how to control them. For additional on ticks check out the Bite Lab https://bitelabky.mgcafe.uky.edu/ Finding chemical control options that work for faci...

05/28/2026

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05/27/2026

Beef Producers: Your Input Matters!
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is seeking beef cow-calf producers to participate in a Fescue Toxicosis Survey.
Your feedback will help researchers better understand how fescue toxicosis impacts herds and develop practical mitigation strategies for producers across the region.
✅ Who should participate: Beef cow-calf producers
📅 Deadline: July 7, 2026
👉 Take the survey here:
https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5c0vzWqgxHX88Wq
📌 You can also scan the QR code in the flyer to get started!
Please share to help reach more producers!

05/27/2026

📌 Looking for trusted beef cattle resources from UK Extension specialists?
UK Beef Extension specialists share timely, research‑based information through several ongoing resources. If you’re looking for updates on herd health, nutrition, management, genetics, markets, and more, these are great places to start:

📰 Off the Hoof Newsletters – Articles and updates from UK Beef Extension specialists
https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/extension/beef/off-the-hoof-newsletters

🎙 Beef Bits Podcast – Conversations and insights on beef cattle production topics
https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/extension/beef/beef-bits-podcast

🎧 Kentucky Ag Matters Podcast – Broader agriculture topics affecting Kentucky producers
https://jstonet.podbean.com/

🌱 UK Forage Extension Resources – Forage management, pasture, and grazing information
https://afs.mgcafe.uky.edu/forages

05/25/2026

🥩 May is Beef Month — a great time to enjoy beef at home
May is Beef Month, and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate beef with family and friends. The May 2026 issue of Cow Country News features a collection of beef recipes perfect for grilling season and easy meals.
If you’re looking for inspiration in the kitchen, take a look and enjoy cooking with beef this month.
🔗 View the Beef Month recipes here:

Dive into our extensive resources on the topic that interests you. It's like a masterclass to be explored at your own pace.

05/24/2026

🧬 What are genomics — and how can they help beef producers?

Understanding how genomic information works can help producers make more informed decisions related to genetics, performance, and long‑term herd improvement.
🔗 Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/D9rKdi0r6zw

05/23/2026

Summer tick protection reminders for cattle producers
As we move into summer, managing ticks and external parasites becomes an important part of protecting herd health and maintaining performance.
A recent article in Cow Country News (May 2026) outlines key summer tick protection reminders for cattle producers, including why early awareness and consistent management matter during peak tick season.
To read the full article and stay informed as we head into summer, check it out here:
🔗 https://issuu.com/cowcountrynews/docs/cow_country_news-_may_2026